The biggest game in European club rugby is here.
Match Details: Leinster v Bordeaux Bègles
- DATE: Sat, 23 May 2026 – 14:45
- VENUE: San Mames Stadium, Bilbao
- REFEREE: Karl Dickson (ENG)
- TV: Premier Sports (Ireland)/ ITV (UK)
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Leinster Preview
We spoke about the trials and tribulations of Leinster mistakes in games pre the semi-final that were costing them run-in tries but since that 29-25 win over Toulon they have been electric in a couple of URC matches. A 31-7 victory over Lions was followed by a free flowing 68-14 victory over Ospreys last weekend. They scored ten tries in that victory with the likes of Joe McCarthy landing a hat-trick, Max Deegan, Garry Ringrose, Jordan Larmour x2, Josh van Der Flier, Jimmy O’Brien and James Lowe all managing to land themselves a five-point score.
The fluidity that was shown last weekend will need to be added to this week because Bordeaux will not allow Leinster the same space that Ospreys did. The ten jersey is still a topic that many are talking about but the consistency of Harry Byrne in that position looks like it has cemented his starting place.
Josh Van Der Flier has been in good try-scoring form of late with four in his last five games and if he gets ball in hand near the try line then Bordeaux could be in for a tough day. Jamieson Gibson-Park is dangerous with little snipe runs from the back of a ruck and his quick thinking could be key to Leinster hopes of success on Saturday afternoon.
Leinster, who are title-less since 2018 return to Bilbao where they can look upon some good memories as this is where the 2018 final took place when they got the better of Racing 92 by 15-12. The recent losses in finals to French sides will also add fuel to the fire and the array of talent that they have across the field will also encourage them.
Bordeaux Preview
Bordeaux are looking to follow up last seasons triumph and should they overcome Leinster it would mean a second win in as many seasons and they would become the sixth team to achieve this feat.
A 38-26 victory against Bath in the semi-final wasn’t maybe as electric as many thought it could be but once again their star man Louis Bielle-Biarrey found the tryline. He has started on the bench for the last two Pro 14 games but has still managed three tries. Leinster will have to keep a very close eye on him because at the moment he is one of the hottest prospects in world rugby. Cameron Woki is another who has scored a couple of tries of late in Pro 14 and arrives here in top form.
The prep that they have had for this may not me ideal as they were pushed all the way by Bayonne where they won 40-38 and then a 37-32 victory against USA Perpignan last weekend.
I mentioned the battle of the 10s being key in the semi-final and simply it looks to have the same emphasis here. Matthieu Jalibert v Harry Byrne will be key to the success of either side and we are set for a blockbuster clash.
Verdict & Scoreline Prediction
Leinster have really upped there game in recent weeks in the URC and I think they will push Bordeaux all the way. The big question mark for Leinster is consistency and if they let that drop I think they will be punished. It looks like it should be a classic and I think Bordeaux will win by five points in the end on a scoreline of Leinster 28-33 Bordeaux.
Betting Tips
- Match Betting: Bordeaux (1/3)
- Winning Margin – Bordeaux 1-5pts (4/1)
- First Tryscorer – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (6/1)
- Anytime Tryscorer – Josh Van Der Flier (2/1)
2026 European Rugby Champions Cup Final Key Details
Here’s everything you need to know about Leinster v Bordeaux.
When is the 2026 European Rugby Champions Cup Final?
Leinster v Bordeaux takes place on Saturday, 23 May, 2026.
What Time is Kick Off in the 2026 European Rugby Champions Cup Final?
Leinster v Bordeaux gets underway at 14:45 GMT.
Where is the 2026 European Rugby Champions Cup Final Being Held?
The San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain, will host the final.
2026 European Rugby Champions Cup TV Channel & Streaming Info
TNT Sports (UK/Ireland) & Premier Sports Ireland are among this year’s final broadcasters.
2026 European Rugby Champions Cup Betting
BAR 1 Betting will have full markets available on the Leinster v Bordeaux clash, including match odds, try scorer prices, handicap options, and much more.
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